In 2008, the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley served over 1,000 victims of domestic violence and these numbers continue to rise. The elimination of State funding has caused an immediate reduction of staff and services and it is expected that the Santa Clarita Valley Domestic Violence Center will be forced to close its doors later this year. As the only domestic violence agency in the Santa Clarita Valley, the result of closing its doors would be a complete lack of critical life and safety services for an entire community of over 250,000 residents.
“As the Center’s Executive Director, I think about every client who has come through our doors and their horrific stories of abuse – I cannot help but cry when I think about what the loss of our services will mean to victims. The impact of our Center shutting down would be devastating. For many of us, our home is a place of refuge from the world, from work, from stress – it’s a place that brings comfort, and safety. Families suffering at the hands of a violent perpetrator do not have this experience of home. For many victims and their children, the home is a terrifying place.
Those who walk through our doors have suffered through broken bones, beatings, strangulation, food deprivation, arson, torture, genital mutilation and unspeakable sexual violence. They have been thrown down flights of stairs, have been victim to violent physical attacks during pregnancy and have even faced the prospect of murder. Victims seek our services to escape incredible violence aimed at them and their children.
Domestic violence crosses all ethnic, religious, economic, and social boundaries, and is generational: children who are abused or who witnessed abuse in the home are more likely to either be abused or to abuse their partners as adults. Domestic violence is possibly the most pernicious and widespread social ill affecting not only the physical health, but also the mental and emotional health of individuals throughout the entire community.
Two weeks ago, the City of Santa Clarita witnessed the murder of one of its citizens and the suicide of her murderer – her husband. Domestic violence happens in our community and these services are desperately needed,” explains Shellcroft.
The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley is asking for your support to keep its doors open. Without the support of our community, more victims will suffer in silence. The Center needs your help. Please visit our website www.dvcsantaclarita.com or call the outreach center (661) 259-8175 to find out how to support the work of this important agency.
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